Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 10

Written Answers. - Development of Fishing Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

53 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, he has for the expansion of the fishing industry, with particular reference to the need to get a fair share of the European catch; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

The recently submitted National Development Plan sets out the framework for the development of the fishing sector over the period 1994-99. The plan will involve an investment of about £137 million in the industry over that period. The investment will be carefully targeted to maintain and strengthen the industry's contribution to the national economy, and, in particular, its contribution to growth and employment in coastal communities through a series of integrated measures in the fleet, fish processing and marketing, aquaculture, fisheries harbours and training.

A fully detailed operation programme to underpin the plan is currently in preparation. I will, of course, keep Deputies informed of the detailed allocations and detailed priorities set in the operational programme.

Turning to the matter of obtaining a fair share of the European catch, the imbalance between the share of European Community fish resources in the Irish region and the quotas allocated to Ireland has been a source of considerable concern for some time.

In a memorandum addressed to the Council of Fisheries Ministers in the context of the mid-term review of the Common Fisheries Policy, Ireland made an objective and reasoned case for increased quota allocations to the Irish region. The Council of Ministers in December 1992 directed the Commission to make a detailed response to the Irish memorandum, which the Commission tabled at the June 1993 Council. The Irish case and the Commission response was discussed at the Council in Luxembourg yesterday.

Frankly speaking, I am not happy with the response which the Commission made to the Irish case. I made my view quite clear to the Council and the Commissioner yesterday. However, in the subsequent discussion, it became clear that most of my ministerial colleagues are not prepared at this time to see additional fish allocations made to the Irish region. As this was the case, I made a strong unilateral declaration for insertion in the Council minutes to the effect that Ireland remains extremely dissatisfied with its allocation of fish stocks and will continue to pursue this matter until a successful outcome is achieved.

I can assure the House that I am considering carefully what options are now open to me in this matter and will have no hesitation in taking the steps necessary to achieve a satisfactory solution for Ireland.